Petersville Winter Trail System

The feel

The trails cross large swamps and Black Spruce forests north of Petersville Road and west of the Parks Highway. Snowmachiners, dog mushers and skiers share them, and many local recreational and professional dog mushers use them. Most of the trails take two-way traffic on the same track.

The track is generally wide enough for one snowmachine, 3 to 5 ft, with some places wide enough for two machines to pass. On clear days the trails open up to views of the Alaska Range and Mount Denali to the north.

What to expect

What it is

A groomed winter trail system of over 50 miles for snowmachines, dog sleds, skiers and skijorers.

Crowds and best time

Many local mushers use the trails. Clear days bring the views of the Alaska Range and Denali.

Parking

Trailhead parking at Milepost 121.5 Parks Highway (East-West Express Trail), Milepost 11 Petersville Road (Safari Lake Trail) and Milepost 11.5 Petersville Road (Kroto-Bunco Trail).

Dogs

Dog teams have the right of way on the trail.

Hazards

Snowmachiners must yield to dog teams: pull over, shut off the machine and wait for the team to pass.

Season and access

Winter trails. Petersville Road leaves the Parks Highway at Trapper Creek, about 115 miles north of Anchorage. Petersville Road past the Kroto Creek bridge is a winter trail.

Mingo says

Wait for a clear day if you want the Denali view. Meet a dog team by pulling over and shutting off your machine.

Before you go

• Park at one of the three trailheads: Milepost 121.5 on the Parks Highway, or Milepost 11 or 11.5 on Petersville Road.
• Expect dog teams and yield to them every time.
• Remember Petersville Road past the Kroto Creek bridge is a winter trail, not a road.

Written October 2026. Sources are listed at the end of this page.